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Determined

Author: Morgan Ash
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-01-27 09:17:11

I went to follow James out to the ambulance. As Marina’s caretaker and James’ wife, I felt a duty to be there, but he turned abruptly, causing me to bump into his chest, “You’ve done enough already. Can’t you see that?” he growled, turning and slamming the door in my face.

He rode in the ambulance with Marina while I stood plastered in the spot he’d left me in, wondering what to do. Chewing my bottom lip, I stared at the closed door feeling empty inside.

I’ve done everything he’s asked. For three years I’ve made sure Marina had the best care. Three years I’ve carefully followed every one of James’ requests, attempting to show him where my heart was.

The entire time mine broke just to get a scrap of attention from him.

I wasn’t about to throw all of that hard work in the trash.

 I rushed down to the garage, where our driver stood posted, “Mr. Green, I need a ride to Saosin Medical. Please," I pleaded with him, fighting the emotions that were swirling in my gut.

He nodded, walking over to one of the cars, and opening the rear door.

The drive was silent, outside of my racing thoughts.

If James thinks I had anything to do with what happened to Marina, he vowed to make me pay. What if she dies? Or the doctors say her condition will never get better? On the other hand, what if she wakes up? What happens to me then?

Will James just throw out our sacred vows and the last three years for her?

I chewed on my bottom lip until the taste of copper filled my mouth.

The truth was harsh, and no matter how much I tried to push it out of my mind; I knew the answers to my own questions.

I meant nothing to him. That much was clear, and now.... Everything I'd worked so hard for was in shambles because of something I didn't even do. 

Barely waiting for Mr. Green to place the car in park, I tumbled out of the backseat, running into the familiar hospital, “Dr. Wood,” one of the nurses furrowed her brow, “Your husband just came in here with a woman by ambulance,” but I stopped her from continuing, “What room?”

Her eyes widened as she rushed back behind the desk, typing away on her computer, “Room 1272, Floor three.”

“Thank you,” I shouted, running towards the steps. The elevators wouldn’t be fast enough. James was probably already seething knowing that it had taken me this long to get here.

I was supposed to be Marina’s caretaker. Her live-in doctor.

He would find this inexcusable.

My breath came out in pants as I reached the door to the stairwell. Pushing the door with my shoulder, I rushed down the hall, past the bustling of other doctors and nurses until I arrived at 1272.

Without thinking, I burst into the room, “James,” I called out, “How is she?”

It felt as if I’d been punched in the gut when he turned towards me with glassy green eyes and a relieved smile, “She’s awake.”

My throat closed in on itself when I glanced to the left, seeing the same pair of white-blue eyes that hid behind heavy lids for the last three years staring back at me with a confused expression, “Who is she?”

“I’m his...” but James shot me a glare that had me snapping my mouth shut, “This is Rosa. She’s been your personal caretaker while you were stuck in your coma.”

My mouth dropped open at the fact that he wouldn’t introduce me as his wife.

The doctor walked into the room, interrupting the tense moment.

“Dr. Wood, lovely to see you here. Your husband was just updating me on how well you’ve tended to Marina over the years,” Dr. Orth placed a hand on my shoulder, “You have expedited her healing process. I’m pleased to let you know that after a few minor tests, your friend here will be headed home.”

Marina cleared her throat, staring at me with the same intensity that James had, “Did you say husband?” Her eyes moved between James and me.

The corner of my lip curled into a smirk, and I spun the ring on my left hand. Her eyes spotted the movement, and I could see she was fighting a snarl.

“James, what is this about?” she fluttered her stupid, perfect lashes at him, tilting her head to the side for a dramatic effect.

Everything about her was flawless, even after being trapped in a coma for years. Her long, dark hair remained straight and shiny. Her porcelain skin was flawless, void of wrinkles, acne, or freckles. Her body somehow maintained perfection, despite only moving when I manipulated it over the years.

Everything about me was the opposite.

I had dark blonde hair, streaked with soft highlights, natural from the sun. My skin held a warmer, medium tone, dotted with freckles along the bridge of my nose and tops of my cheekbones. I wasn’t overweight by societal standards, but I wasn’t thin either.

Everything about me was simply.... average. No one was turning their head to look at me on the street. 

James turned towards Marina, reaching out to caress her cheek, “I’ll explain everything when we get home. You should rest so that we can celebrate later,” his cheeks pulled up like he was smiling at her, “You’ve finally come back to me.”

Marina looked relieved as she ate up every word that I silently wished was for me.

“You’ve changed so much,” her shaky hand reached out, running a finger along his jawline.

“Just a little stubble, and maybe a wrinkle or two,” he leaned forward, gently pressing his lips against hers. His eyes were closed but hers found mine across the room.

My fists balled at my sides as anger bubbled just beneath my skin. The urge to rip him from her arms forced me to close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Dr. Orth knocked before popping his head through the door, “Mr. Wood, I’ve come by to grab you and head to the conference room and discuss Marina’s at home care moving forward. Dr,” he addressed me, “Would you enter in her final vitals and make sure she uses the bathroom?”

“Of course,” I forced the words out of my mouth, not interested in another moment of taking care of this woman. She'd started a war with a single glance. 

James pinned me with his eyes, like he knew what had just crossed my mind.

The moment he left the room, Marina spoke up, “I don’t need your help. Nor do I want it.”

“It is my job,” I gritted my teeth, “And James is very insistent that you have the best care.”

She began to stand on her own, but her legs shook, “And you think you’re the best care?” Marina scoffed, "You look too..." her pale blue eyes roamed my body, "Untoned to even properly assist me."

Rushing to her side, I looped our arms together, despite her bad attitude and condescending comments, “Yes, I am," I spat through gritted teeth, "I have been your sole caretaker for three years. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

She mumbled something under her breath that I didn’t catch as we made it into the bathroom, “You can leave now.”

“I can’t leave you alone. You could pass out on the toilet.”

“Get. OUT,” she leaned over, pushing the door so that I was forced to step back or get hit with it.

Stay calm, Rosa. She’s a bitter woman who just spent the last three years in a coma. It’s only slightly personal because your husband, who is also her lover, married you while she was sick.

The toilet flushed and after the sink ran for a moment, the door was pulled open, “See,” Marina quirked a brow, “I don’t need you. And as soon as James sees that, he’ll get rid of you too.”

She smirked as she took a step forward, but her legs gave out. I managed to break her fall, but the IV machine came crashing down on my face. My forehead felt warm and damp, but my arms were pinned under me with Marina resting atop my body.

“What is going on here?” James’ angry voice startled me as the weight of Marina’s body was removed from mine.

My fingers moved to my forehead and when I pulled them away, they were stained with fresh crimson. A steady throb pulsed from the split as I pushed myself up from the ground on my own.

“She’s incompetent, James,” Marina whined, “It is clear that we won’t need her services any longer. She can hardly stand to help me to the bathroom.” Marina fluttered her long lashes, her bottom lip quivering, but I saw through the act. 

James was holding Marina, but his eyes lingered on me. The anger that he’d originally felt coming into the room appeared to have morphed into concern now that he’d seen my wound.

 His nostrils flared as he stared, before blinking rapidly and turning away.

“I want you to divorce her,” she hissed under her breath, but I heard her loud and clear.

I watched James in the mirror. His body turned rigid as he stood between Marina and me.

My heart sank when I saw the look in his eyes. Despite everything, never in the last three years would I have thought he would consider a divorce. But I know that look because I know James.  

That short-lived hope was crushed into dust and blown away into the abyss.

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  • A Marriage of Convenience   Divorce

    After seeing the look in his eyes, I was certain he’d agree to her requests, but instead he’d changed the subject, “I have so much to tell you. So much has happened in the last three years.” “Why aren’t you answering my questions?” Marina whined, sounding more like a child than a twenty-three-year-old woman. “Can you just let me enjoy the fact that you are finally awake? Goddess, Marina. I’ve just gotten you back and you want to drill me about things that don’t matter compared to you being okay,” James reached up, tucking a strand of Marina’s hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered lovingly before I watched her lean forward, closing the distance between them and pressing her lips against his. I didn't miss the subtle dig in his sentence. I thought my heart couldn’t feel any worse, but I was wrong. He didn’t bother telling her that he wouldn’t break our sacred vows. We said until death do us part. That was supposed to mean something to him. Sure, maybe not as much as it meant

    Huling Na-update : 2024-01-27
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Confusion(JAMES POV)

    There aren’t words to describe how happy I was when Marina finally opened her eyes after all this time. Here in the human world, I am James Wood, heir to Wood Industries and the CEO of a billion-dollar corporation. I am active within our community. With more money than I know what to do with, I participate in Charity Galas, help with political campaigns, and help fund schools. The world knows me as the selfless billionaire CEO. What they don’t know is that I am known as the ruthless Alpha of Blackwood. My pack was my life. It was ingrained in who I was. I kept everything running like a tight ship.But my pack was destroyed in an attack that left only two members; Marina and me. The last three years have been hell with the only connection to my past life lying in a coma. That attack cost me everything, including my wolf. He has been silent for three years. Locked away in some sort of holding cell in my head. I can still feel his presence, but it’s as if there is something keeping

    Huling Na-update : 2024-01-27
  • A Marriage of Convenience   One condition

    “Rosa, wait,” James ran after me, gripping my arm and spinning me towards him. I stared into his green eyes, wondering how I’d ever mistaken this man for someone that would find it in his heart to love me. “What is so wrong with me James? After three years, the least you can do is explain that.” His head fell back as he released a heavy breath. James interlocked his fingers behind his neck muttering curses under his breath, “Nothing. There is nothing wrong with you. It’s me.” Anger bubbled just beneath my skin, “What an original line that is,” I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. “You don’t understand,” he started, but I cut him off, “Then make me understand.” His hand found the small of my back as he led us away from Marina’s room and back down to the room we’d been in previously, “Don’t do this.” James’ voice sounded as if he was pleading with me, but it was too late. I’d made up my mind the moment he walked back into that room and suggested I was simply the help and e

    Huling Na-update : 2024-01-27
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Old friend

    “It’s been a long time,” Shawn’s lips pulled into a warm smile before his brows knitted in confusion, “Are you okay? I saw the woman they wheeled to the ambulance. She seemed dazed, but fine.” Shawn was my brother’s best friend and the man I swore I was going to marry up until I met James. He’s been a part of my life since we were both in the first grade. My childhood crush turned into a full-on obsession when we were teenagers. He was the center of every dream I had ever created. But no matter how much I planned for him to be a part of my future, to him, I was simply his best friend's little sister. My lips quivered as the last few hours replayed in my mind. “Rosie,” Shawn placed his hands against the bare skin on my upper arms, “What’s going on?” I haven’t seen Shawn in years, but somehow, he still knows me. The way my nickname rolls off his lips takes me back to a time when things were so much simpler. Shaking my head, I forced a smile, “It’s just been a rough day,”

    Huling Na-update : 2024-02-03
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Nothing to celebrate

    “Can we not tell my mother and father about this? Not yet at least,” I held the papers in my shaky hands. My father would never approve of what I was doing. When James and I announced that we would be getting married, my father was elated. My mother even more so. Their status in the world was always a top priority. They wanted Chris and I to be in the spotlight. We were the product of American royalty and old money. Red Pharmaceutical was passed down from my grandfather to my father, and his father before him. My mother was your typical housewife. Status and appearance were everything. She wanted me to follow in her footsteps, being a housewife to James before having a couple of his children. The future heirs to a fortune. A Red and a Wood creating a family would be the talk of the century. But much to her dismay, James didn’t want children. At least not with me. “Of course. It’s not my place to tell, Rosie,” Shawn distracted me from my thoughts, “Are you sure about this

    Huling Na-update : 2024-02-04
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Inferno(James POV)

    The hospital had cleared Marina to come home, but I was torn. Rosa had heard me say that I would divorce her. The look in her eyes will haunt me forever. Once she’d stitched up her wound and it had stopped bleeding, I’d slowly been able to pull myself from whatever trance she’d had me wrapped in. Marina was my mate. Not only that, but she was the last remaining link to my past life. And the key to my future. I couldn’t explain why Onyx had awoken at the scent of Rosa’s blood. I couldn’t make sense of any of it. “Fuck,” I growled, slamming my fist against my desk. I don’t beg for anything. I’m James fucking Wood. I don’t need to beg. But today, I was reduced to a blubbering mess trying to hold onto a marriage that I never even wanted. Marina hasn’t spoken to me since we’ve been home. She heard me beg Rosa to stay. She heard the desperation in my voice, but I couldn’t tell her the truth. I couldn’t explain to her something that I didn’t even understand myself. Surely Ros

    Huling Na-update : 2024-02-06
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Lawyer

    My eyelashes tickled the tops of my cheekbones as I tried to open my eyes, but the sunlight streaming in from the windows had me snapping them shut instantly. Reaching up, I massaged my temples, feeling a steady throbbing behind my eyes. Rolling to my right, I rolled right off the bed, groaning as I hit plush carpet. Carpet? My eyes shot open as I glanced around the room. This isn’t my room. Or even in my house. The door swung open, and Shawn sleepily stumbled inside, “Did you fall?” Oh, God... No. No. Nooooo. I drank too much last night and the last thing I remember was getting into Shawn’s car. He must have seen the panic in my eyes because he shook his head, “This is my hotel room. I slept out on the couch,” he massaged the back of his neck, offering me a smile. I breathed a sigh of relief, “I’m so sorry,” I started, but he cut me off, “Don’t be sorry. You can use my bed any time you need it,” he winked, “Want some coffee?” “Please,” I pushed myself up from the flo

    Huling Na-update : 2024-02-07
  • A Marriage of Convenience   Goodbye

    I calmly walked around the side of the table, taking a seat and waiting for James to do the same, but he remained standing. His posture was rigid, and each breath came out as if he was forcing himself to remember to breathe. “Why are you wearing his clothes, Rosa?” James finally turned around, glancing down at my attire. “Are we really going to discuss the clothing that I am wearing?” “You are wearing another man’s clothing,” he spat, “That’s where we are going to start.” “It’s been three years and you’ve not bothered to pay me attention until I’m wearing another man’s clothing. Do you realize how awful that is?” “You are my wife!” James growled, throwing his arms in the air. “And you are in love with another woman,” I whispered, feeling the tears that I’d been successfully keeping at bay sting my eyes. “You don’t understand,” he whispered, running his fingers through his hair. “Then tell me, James. Explain it to me so that I can understand.” He walked over to the edge of

    Huling Na-update : 2024-02-08

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  • A Marriage of Convenience   Epilogue(Goodbye)

    One Year Later“I’ll never get over seeing you like this,” Shawn wrapped his arms around my body, his hands smoothing over the growing bump that used to be my toned stomach. “And this dress makes you look even more ravishing.”My cheeks heated as he thrust his hips against my backside to show just how much he actually enjoyed seeing me swollen with his child. Six months ago, I found out we were pregnant. Fear gripped my soul at the prospect of becoming a mother, mostly because this came out of left field. We’d been married for six months, and hadn’t been actively trying, but life seems to have a way of paving the way for surprises. “Later,” I peck his cheek, bringing my thumb up to wipe away the light red stain from my lipstick, “We are going to be late.”“Are you sure you want to do this?” Shawn stood up straight, adjusting his tie, while I smoothed out the bunching in my glittering red dress. He wore a black suit with a matching red tie, and we were about to be going to our first G

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Closure

    How?I stare at the card on the ground. Scribbled letters stare back at me in writing that I’d never forget. I memorized the way his pen strokes over paper. I can see where he wrote softer versus where the pen dug deeper into the cardstock.Our door was still closed, but I didn’t know how much time I had before Shawn returned.My heart was in my throat as I reached for the card, staring at the words written inside until my eyes blurred.Rosa, I am not writing you this to hurt you more than I already have, and as you already know, I’m not very good at articulating my feelings. I hope you’ll understand what I’m trying to say despite knowing that this will be a string of words that probably won’t make sense by the time I’m finished. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, nor do I expect it. I realized after Marina and I destroyed your wolf that I had made the wrong decision. I knew that Marina had used a powerful spell on me, and I didn’t care. I allowed the anger and pain from

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Pierce

    I let out an emotional chuckle, fighting the urge to cry.“I remember the first time you and I met. Chris practically dragged me over to your house to hang out, but I was terrified. The thought of being with someone famous made my skin feel itchy. I was just a poor kid with a shitty family life, and I was walking into a pristine mansion. But the moment I walked through those doors, your pale blue eyes, that reminded me of the sky when you look at it through the clouds, met mine, and you said, “You look like you could use some tea.”I let out another laugh, the memory coming back to me like it was yesterday.“You grabbed my hand and dragged me to your bedroom, ignoring Chris’ shouts, and pushed me into one of your chairs beside Mr. Giggles and Sir Pounce-A-Lot. We spent two hours talking over imaginary tea like we were old friends,” Shawn looked up towards the sky, his throat bobbing before returning his gaze to mine. “I didn’t know why I wanted so badly to have a tea party every day f

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Three years ago

    Two Years LaterThree years ago, my ex-husbands mistress woke up from a coma. Three years ago, I asked James Wood for a divorce. Three years ago, my life changed drastically. I fell apart, picked myself up, rinse, and repeat. But today; I’m healing. “You look so beautiful,” Chris’ girlfriend Sienna covers her mouth with both of her hands. Her chocolate brown eyes shimmer with tears, and mine instantly well with my own. Fanning my face, I take a deep breath, “Is this real? I still don’t think it’s real.”“Girl,” she steps closer to me, placing her hands against my arms, and spinning me around to look in the mirror. My hair has grown back out, even longer than before and falls just below my breasts. It’s finally back to blonde, but I keep a shadow root to remind myself of the hell I’ve overcame. A small nod to the time I spent in that cabin pretending to be someone else. I chose a subtle smokey eye for a more natural look. Warm browns bring out my blue eyes, highlighting the flecks

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Get out of here

    Chris is whistling in the kitchen, the aroma of coffee making my mouth water as I step into the open living room. Shawn came out first, walking down to the bathroom for a quick shower. “Coffee?” Chris already has a mug prepared, offering it out to me, “They didn’t have the creamer you liked when I was at the market. I hope you don’t mind plain vanilla.”It wasn’t my favorite, but I couldn’t complain much. “It’s fine,” I grabbed the mug, lifting it to my lips to bid myself an extra few seconds. “Thank you.”“If only I’d have bought ear plugs instead of that creamer,” he shakes his head, sighing dramatically.I choke, sputtering coffee over the side of the mug, and my hand, “You… You heard all that?”Chris sits his mug on the counter, crossing his arms over his chest, “Unfortunately so. The walls in this place are thinner than a fucking sheet of tissue paper. I’m half tempted to file a formal complaint against the builder.” I snort. I had heard Chris watching porn a few times through

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Breakfast

    I wake to the feeling of eyes on me. My heart begins to palpitate, and panic seizes me. “Rosie,” I hear the faint sound of a voice, but I’m terrified to open my eyes. “I don’t want to go back,” I whisper, feeling emotion clog my throat. “Please.”“Rosie, it’s me,” Shawn’s voice filters through the panic, and I quickly throw my head over my shoulder. It takes a few minutes for my heart rate to slow as I lock eyes with Shawn. Memories of last night hit me like a freight train, and the panic settles beneath my skin once more, but it’s different. I’m safe, and that’s what matters. “What’s going on, baby?” Shawn’s fingers hesitate before he reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I thought he found me,” my voice breaks. “Hey,” Shawn’s fingers cup my chin, holding it with such delicacy, “He won’t get to you again. I’ll make sure of it. You don’t have to worry anymore. I won’t hesitate next time.”“I hate that he still has this effect on me.”“There is no timetable to hea

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Not conditional

    Another growl bubbles from his chest as he scoops me up, my legs wrapping around his waist, and my heart nearly jackhammering out of my chest. I’ve dreamed of this moment since puberty. Maybe not this exact scenario, but Shawn wanting me. His lips on me. And I as I grew older, those innocent desires turned into something more sensual. The first time I ever touched myself was to the thought of this man who has his lips pressed against my throat. My back hits the thick quilt covering my bed, and I whimper as Shawn pulls away, looking down at me with a mixture of longing and fear in his eyes. “Are you sure about this?” his voice is bathed in fear, and I can practically see how fast his heart is beating from the pulse point on his throat. “Make me forget him, Shawn.” My voice is low and hoarse. “I want you.”“Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear those words?” Shawn hisses through gritted teeth, his strong body hovering over mine. My fingers found the hem of his shirt, slowly lift

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Feel something

    “You have to be kidding me,” Chris groans at Shawn, his face twisting with annoyance. Flour clings to almost every surface, and the kitchen is going to need a deep clean, but this is the most fun I’ve had in months. It’s my life by Bon Jovi blares from the small radio set up on the countertop. “What?” Shawn shimmies his shoulders. “This is a classic, sir. You not enjoying it is just a sign of your bad taste.”“My tastes are modernly defined,” he narrows his eyes.“That’s just a fancy way of saying they’re crap.”“Says you,” he waggles a finger in my direction. A bowl of brownie batter is wrapped in my arms, but Shawn snags it away, sitting it atop the counter before lacing his fingers with mine. Our arms moved back and forth, palms attached, and I felt my lips pull into the first real smile since we’ve been here. “It’s my LIFFFFEEEE,” Shawn sang off key, “It’s now or never.”“I AIN’T GONNA LIVE FOREVER.”“I just wanna live while I’m alive,” Shawn spins me in a circle, tipping me

  • A Marriage of Convenience   Six weeks later

    We’ve been here for six weeks. Six weeks I’ve spent staring at the walls of this cabin expecting the boogeyman with shimmering green eyes to pop out at any moment.Once the shock of being flown here wore off, fear settled beneath my skin like a poisonous snake. I plastered a smile on my face for Chris and Shawn, but the days have been long, and the nights… even longer.I’ve learned the sounds of the forest surrounding us. The calls from the birds that chirp from the trees and the geese on the lake. Some days, the wind pushes the water against the shoreline, the sound of crashing startling me.I hate what I’ve become. It’s sickening to think that once upon a time, I was just a girl with the ambitious thought that she could convince her husband to love her.Now I’m afraid of my own shadow.“Rosa-lindddd,” Chris singsongs my real name, and I ignore him.Rosalind was dead. I was Rose now.I hated both versions of myself.The hopeful one that was naïve enough to believe in fairytales, and

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